Christopher Strong Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Christopher Strong" is a testament to Warner Archive's meticulous restoration efforts, starting with a brand-new 4K scan from the original nitrate camera negative. This results in an immaculate 1080p transfer, showcasing stunning clarity, rich contrast, and a film-like texture true to the source material. The spherical lenses used in the film's original black & white 35 mm format capture a vivid spectrum of deep blacks, bright whites, and a beautifully varied grayscale, reflecting remarkable detail and depth. Robust film grain is preserved and visible without overwhelming the viewer, maintaining the authenticity of Bert Glennon's cinematography while ensuring shadow detail and avoiding compression artifacts such as macro blocking.

Detailing is exceptional, with textures like the flower appliqués on dresses and Hepburn's iconic silver "moth dress" appearing strikingly clear. Costume textures are sharply defined, and close-ups highlight intricate features without any digital noise or visual imperfections. The cleanup process effectively removes dirt specks, scratches, and emulsion clouding, rendering the film nearly pristine.

Despite minor edge focus issues in certain scenes, likely inherent to the original negative, this Blu-ray presentation retains faithful adherence to the original 1.37:1 aspect ratio. Some stock footage exhibits a lesser degree of sharpness compared to studio-filmed scenes but does not detract from the overall quality. Although the grayscale rendering of black levels could offer greater depth for more visual impact, this Blu-ray remains a definitive home video presentation of this historically significant film, surpassing any previous releases.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Christopher Strong" features an English 2.0 Mono DTS-HD Master Audio track, showcasing both its historical charm and technical precision. While pre-Code films often grapple with audio inconsistencies, this release manages to preserve clarity and warmth. Dialogue, a critical element for the dialogue-heavy film, is consistently clear and distinct. The soundtrack adeptly balances speech with the ambient sounds and effects, such as airplane propellers, boat motors, and water lapping in various scenes. These elements are complemented by a serviceable score from Roy Webb, which, while not as expansive as later works, is executed with clean fidelity.

Technical limitations from the era are apparent but do not detract significantly from the experience. Faint hiss is detectable at higher volumes and during quiet moments, though this remains within expected boundaries. Some instances of muffled flutter appear occasionally, indicating age-related imperfections that technology couldn't entirely remove. However, these do not overwhelm the overall auditory experience. The dynamic range captured embraces the highs and lows without notable distortion, delivering a balanced soundstage.

Optional English (SDH) subtitles are provided for the main feature, enhancing accessibility without accompanying bonus materials. Warner's meticulous restoration has skillfully rejuvenated the vintage track, allowing for an engaging and immersive experience despite its antiquities. The effort made to revitalize the audio showcases their continued commitment to preserving film history with authenticity and technical prowess.

The Blu-ray release of "Christopher Strong" offers a curated collection of vintage short extras that enrich the historical context of the film. Each short provides a glimpse into early 20th-century entertainment, highlighted by famed talents and stylistic innovations. Plane Nuts features Ted Healy and His Stooges in a vibrant 1933 MGM short directed by Jack Cummings, blending slapstick with grand musical numbers reminiscent of Busby Berkeley's work. This short is noted for its elaborate overhead choreography and an aviation-themed segment honoring Charles Lindbergh. Tomalio is a historically significant short marking Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle’s final film role, directed by Ray McCarey; it captures Arbuckle’s comedic prowess amidst a narrative involving a mule and a peculiar general. Lastly, Buddy's Beer Garden is a notable 1933 Looney Tunes cartoon, presenting sharp HD black-and-white visuals and classic animation charm.

Extras included in this disc:

• Plane Nuts: A 1933 comedy short with Ted Healy and the Three Stooges.
• Tomalio: Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle’s final film performance.
• Buddy's Beer Garden: A restored Looney Tunes cartoon.

"Christopher Strong" features Katharine Hepburn in her first starring role in a film directed by Dorothy Arzner—a standout pre-Code melodrama lauded for its historical significance despite its congested plot. Set against the backdrop of RKO's thriving early 1930s era following successes like "King Kong," this film pairs refreshing thematic explorations with the innovative guidance of Arzner, the only female Hollywood director at the time. The narrative centers around Lady Cynthia Darrington (Hepburn), a daring aviatrix embodying a progressive, independent spirit. Her entanglement with Sir Christopher Strong (Colin Clive) juxtaposes traditional morality with a modern take on emotional relationships and female autonomy, telling a story enriched by Hepburn's compelling performance.

While Hepburn’s portrayal fuels the film’s charm, the technical aspects—such as Zoe Akins' script and Bert Glennon’s cinematography—provide additional depth despite some narrative incompleteness. The film candidly examines nuanced sexual politics and infidelity, albeit with mixed reception towards its rapid pacing and various emotional shifts. The potent yet abrupt ending leaves an audacious taste, underscoring both the liberation and constraint of Hepburn's character—all encapsulated in the infamous moth costume scene. Supporting performances from Billie Burke and Helen Chandler add layers without overshadowing Hepburn's presence.

Warner Archive’s Blu-ray release enables a rediscovery of "Christopher Strong" through a superb visual restoration embracing its historical ambiance. Though Hepburn reflects ambivalence towards this early career milestone, the film remains essential viewing for understanding the foundation of her iconic persona. Its portrayal of gender dynamics, alongside Arzner’s adept craftsmanship, offers an elegant narrative exploring both personal and societal conflicts, further securing its place in cinematic history amidst Hepburn's vast filmography.

"Christopher Strong," directed by Dorothy Arzner, is an early 1930s melodrama primarily notable for featuring Katharine Hepburn in her first starring role. While the film itself is not considered a masterpiece, its principal strength lies in Hepburn’s commanding performance. The plot, densely packed with twists, occasionally struggles with the constraints of its 78-minute runtime, preventing some narrative elements from fully developing. Nonetheless, dedicated Hepburn enthusiasts and fans of Arzner's work may find value in its exploration of the actress's nascent talents and the elegant directorial style.

The Blu-ray release by Warner Archive offers a beautifully restored audio-visual experience, meticulously transferred from a new 4K scan of the original nitrate negative. This restoration effort revitalizes the film’s visual magnificence, reflecting the era's cinematic artistry. The addition of pre-show comedy shorts to the Blu-ray package provides light-hearted counterpoints to the film's dramatic tone, enhancing overall viewing pleasure. Despite dated plot elements and pacing issues, the crystal-clear presentation and remarkable sound quality significantly bolster the movie’s appeal, providing a definitive edition for classic film collectors.

In conclusion, while "Christopher Strong" may primarily attract aficionados of Katharine Hepburn or Dorothy Arzner, this Blu-ray edition ensures the film is presented at its historical and aesthetic best. With polished technical attributes and comprehensive supplements, this release extends its allure beyond niche audiences to those interested in an authentic glimpse into early Hollywood filmmaking. Though not without its flaws, the presentation warrants recommendation for its visual accomplishment and nostalgic resonance, affording a renewed appreciation of an era gone by.